Orchard heater



March 14, 1944.

J. c. GAFFNEY ET AL 2,344,403

ORCHARD HEATER Filed Sept. 8, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.5 JOHN C. GAF'FNEY BY EDWARD .LnKANEv March 144%, 1944- .1. c. GAFFNEY ET AL ORCHARD HEATER Filed Sept. 8, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.5

JOHN C.GAFF'NEY y EDWARD L.KANE.

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Patented Mar. 14, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Y ORG-HARD HEATER John O. Gaff'rney and Edward L. Kane, M Beach, Fla. Application September 8, 1941-, Serial No. ll-0,100 2 Claims. ,('Cl. 126-595) This invention relates to an improvement in heating devices adapted to burn various types of fuel such as carbon, charcoal or the like, and has particular reference to orchard heaters of a knock-down or portable type.

It is an object of the present invention to pro vide a heater of the above mentioned type, so constructed that it may be quickly assembled or disassembled and conveniently nested for storage or shipment.

A further object of the invention resides in a novel top for the heater, serving both as a means permitting refueling and as a means for con veniently controlling the natural draft for combustion.

Another and important feature of the invention is the extreme simplicity of the heater, cheapness of manufacture, is strong, durable and highly efiicient in use.

Other and important objects of the invention will present themselves during the course of the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the heater casin in disassembled relation;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the complete heater in assembled relation;

Fig. 3 is a central, vertical sectional view;

Fig. 4 is a plan view, and,

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section on line 55 of Fig. 2.

Referring specifically to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views, the numeral 5 designates the heater as a whole, embodying semicylindrical casing sections 6 and I having flanged lower ends 8 and 9. The sections 6 and I are adapted to be secured together along their free vertical edges by bolts or like fastening means I0. The sections 6 and I when secured together form an elongated cylindrical casing open at both ends.

The numerals II and I2 designate draft openings formed adjacent the lower ends of the sec tions 6 and 1. Tabs l3 and M are struck inwardly from the sections 6 and l and provide a supporting medium for a grate element to be described. An opening I5 is formed in the easing section 6 above the grate element for the purpose of igniting the fuel supported on the grate.

The numeral 16 designates a grate adapted to normally rest upon the tabs I3 and H at assembly. The grate comprises an upwardly convexed steel plate having a plurality of openings I! formed therein. The grate I6 is formed convex to permit expansion in the persence of heat without danger of injury to the casing fasteners.

Openings l8 and I9 are formed in the sections 6 and I adjacent their upper ends and oppositely arranged at assembly to permit the insertion of a bar therethrough for the purpose of transporting the heater from place to place while in use.

The upper edge of the section 6 is provided with a plurality of notches 20 and the casing section I is provided with a slot 2| adjacent its upper edge, both for a purpose to be described.

Arranged upon the upper end of the assembled heater is a cover element 22 of convex formation and slightly larger in diameter than the heater. The cover element serves a dual purpose as a means for permitting access to the interior of the heater for insertion of fuel and also as a means for controlling the draft for combustion. Means are provided to support the cover 22 in adjustable relation to the casing, comprising a fiat strip of relatively stiif metal 23 riveted or otherwise attached to the cover 22 centrally thereof. The strip 23 is bent at one end into a hook-like extension 24, see particularly Figure 3, and adapted to be engaged at assembly in the slot 2|. It should be pointed out that the slot 2| is sufficiently longer than the width of the strip so as to permit a lateral movement of the hook 24 as well as a vertical pivoting thereof. The strip 23 is bent downwardly and outwardly for providing an operating handle and a latch means for the cover. The handle extension is adapted to normally rest in any one of the notches 20, depending on the degree of adjustment desired for the cover.

In use, the casing sections 6 and 7 are bolted together along their longitudinal edges. The grate lfiis then inserted through the open upper ends and rests upon the tabs l3 and Id. The cover 22 is then arranged over the upper end with the hook 24 engaging in the slot 2| and the handle extension resting in one of the notches 20. The heater now being ready for firing, the cover is raised and fuel placed upon the grate. The fuel is then ignited through the opening i5 and the cover 22 subsequently adjusted in any of the notches 20 for regulating the draft as may be necessary. As clearly shown in Figure 4 the cover may be adjusted laterally to any degree depending upon the number of notches provided and the degree of angularity permitted by the engagement of the hook 24 in the slot 2|. When not in use, the heater may be disassembled and conveniently nested for packing or storage.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown, but that it includes within its purview, whatever changes fairly come within either the terms or the spirit of the appended claims.

Having described our invention, what we claim is:

1. An orchard heater comprising a cylindrical body, having notches disposed circumferentially about a part of itsupper edge and having its wall pierced opposite said notches, a cover, a strip secured to said cover and projecting beyond one side thereof to constitute a handle for the cover,

2,344,408 .4 scribed comprising a cylindrical body consisting of two separate semi-circular parts, means for uniting said parts, a sheet metal grate spanning the body, tabs upon the body for supporting said grate, there being draft openings formed in the body beneath the grate, one of the sections of the body having a plurality of notches formed along its upper edge and the other section of the body having an opening formed therein opposite said notches; a cover, a, strip secured to the underside of said cover, said strip being of a width to adapt it to engage in said notches and of a length to said strip being dimensioned to engage in said notches, and having its rear end depressed and shaped to engage in that opening of the wallof the body which lies opposite said notches and a grate arranged in the casing adjacentits lower end.

';enough to constitute a opposite the notches.

project beyond the side wall of the body, far handle for the cover, the rear end of said strip being shaped to engage freely in that opening or the body which lies JOHN C. GAFFNEY. EDWARD L. KANE. 

